TERMS & POLICIES
We are a values based organisation, with firm policies and practices in place. Check out our range of policies below.
General Terms
When we talk about ’us’, ’our’ or ’we’, it means http://b2bpartnerships.org/. The words ’you’ or ’your’ means you, the visitor to our website. By using our website, you accept these terms of use. It you don’t agree, your remedy is to stop using our website. We may update these terms of use from time to time, so you should revisit each time you use our website. LINKS DISCLAIMER This website may contain links to other websites (“Linked Sites”). The Linked Sites are not under our control and we are not responsible for the contents of a Linked Site. We are not responsible for any form of transmission received from any Linked Site. Links are provided to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply our endorsement of the website, or any association with its operators. NO UNLAWFUL OR PROHIBITED USE As a condition of your use of this website, you warrant that you will not use this website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms of use. You may not use this website in any manner which could damage, disable, overburden, or impair this website or interfere with any other party’s use and enjoyment of this website. You agree not to hack into areas of this website that are not intentionally made available by us. HAVING YOUR SAY We expect you to show common courtesy and respect when using our website. Don’t do anything that would upset your grandma. In case you do not know what that means, we’ll spell it out. This website may use services that provide members of the public with the opportunity to publish comments or opinions. You agree to use the services on this website only to post, send and receive messages and material that are proper and related to the particular service we provide. By way of example, and not as a limitation, you agree that when using our website, you will not: •Defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy) of others. •Post or distribute any inappropriate, profane, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent or unlawful topic, name, material or information. •Harvest or otherwise collect information about others, including e-mail addresses, without their consent. •Upload any material protected by intellectual property laws unless you own or control those rights or have received all necessary consents. •Upload any material that has been altered to remove proper legal notices. •Download any material posted by another user that you know, suspect or reasonably should know, cannot be legally distributed in such manner. •Advertise or offer to sell or buy any goods or services for any business purpose, unless we provide a particular forum for those messages. •Conduct or forward spam, surveys, contests, pyramid schemes or chain letters. •Restrict or inhibit any other user from using and enjoying our website services. •Violate any code of conduct or other guidelines which we proscribe. •Violate any applicable laws or regulations. •Upload files that contain viruses, corrupted files, or any other similar software or programs that may damage the operation of another’s computer. • Material uploaded to any part of our website may be subject to stated limitations on usage, reproduction and/or dissemination. You are responsible for complying with those limitations if you download the materials. POSTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION Always use caution when giving out any personally identifying information about yourself or your children anywhere on the internet. We do not control or endorse the content, messages or information found in any part of our website where users are able to contribute their own posts and material. We specifically disclaim any liability with regard to those parts of our website and any actions resulting from your participation in using those parts of our website. Managers and hosts of forums and blogs are not authorized spokespersons for http://b2bpartnerships.org/, and their views do not necessarily reflect those of our business. MONITORING OF COMMUNICATION SERVICES We are not obligated to monitor the posts and materials published by members of the public on our website. However, we reserve the right to review materials that are posted and to remove any materials at our sole discretion. We reserve the right at all times to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or governmental request, or to edit, refuse to post or to remove any information or materials, in whole or in part, at our sole discretion. MATERIALS POSTED ON COMMUNICATION SERVICES We do not claim ownership of the materials you (including feedback and suggestions) posted on any of part of our website. However, by posting any information or material you are granting http://b2bpartnerships.org/ our affiliated companies and necessary sub-licensees permission to use your information or material in connection with the operation of our and their businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your information or material; and to publish your name in connection with your information or material. No compensation will be paid to you with respect to that use of your material or information. We are under no obligation to post or use any material or information you may provide and may remove any of your material or information from our website at any time at our sole discretion. By posting your material or information you warrant and represent that you own or otherwise control all of the rights necessary for you to post that material or information. TERMINATION/ACCESS RESTRICTION We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate your access to this website and the related services or any portion of it at any time, without notice. DISCLAIMER You specifically acknowledge and agree that your use of this website and services found on this website are at your own risk. Anything available via this website may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information on and available via the website. We make no representations about the suitability, reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of anything contained on this website, for any purpose, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, anything contained on this website is provided “as is” without warranty or condition of any kind. You acknowledge and agree that no information or advice provided by us constitutes medical, legal or financial advice or advice of any other regulated industry or creates a warranty of any kind with respect to this website and you acknowledge that you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice tailored to your situation. The legal information on this website is for information only and does not replace the need for specific advice relevant to your particular circumstances. This disclaimer applies to the fullest extent permitted by law, and shall survive any termination or expiration of this agreement or your use of this website or the services found on this website. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We will not be liable to you or any other person or entity for any damages whatsoever arising as a result of your use of this website in any way. In addition, where warranties are implied by law, you acknowledge and agree that the total aggregate liability to us is limited to the total amount paid by you for the particular services that are the subject of the cause of action, even if those services were provided to you without cost. This limitation of liability applies to the fullest extent permitted by law, and shall survive any termination or expiration of this agreement or your use of this website or the services found on this website. APPLICABLE LAW This agreement is governed by the laws of United Kingdom and you consent to the non-exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in United Kingdom in any and all disputes arising out of or relating to the use of this website. Use of this website is unauthorised in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms of use, including without limitation this paragraph. If you are resident in a jurisdiction where the use of this website is unauthorised, it is your responsibility to cease using this website. RELATIONSHIP You agree that no joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship exists between you and http://b2bpartnerships.org/ as a result of this agreement or use of this website. Our performance of this agreement is subject to existing laws and legal process. Nothing contained in this agreement can be used to inhibit our right to comply with governmental, court and law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your use of this website, or with regard to information provided to or gathered by us with respect to such use. VALIDITY If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall continue in effect. ENTIRE AGREEMENT Unless otherwise specified in these terms of use, this agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and http://b2bpartnerships.org/ with respect to this website. COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS All contents of this website are copyright by http://b2bpartnerships.org/. Please contact us via our Contact Page should you require permission to reproduce any of the contents of this site. The names of actual companies and products mentioned on this website may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any example companies, organisations, products, people and events depicted on this website are fictitious. No association with any real company, organisation, product, person, or event is intended or should be inferred. Permission Only your personal use of our copyright materials is permitted, which means that you may access, download, or print such materials for your personal use only. Commercial use of any sort is expressly prohibited. You agree not to change or delete any copyright or proprietary notice from materials downloaded from this site or any site accessible through this site. Any requests for our permission to publish, copy, reproduce, distribute, transfer, or otherwise use any materials contained in the web site should be directed to our Contact Page. Any rights not expressly granted in these terms are reserved.
Privacy Policy
b2b partnerships Limited respects and is committed to protecting your privacy. We aim to maintain consistently high standards in our use and storage of your personal data, and endeavour to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant legislation. To reflect changes in privacy laws, this updated Privacy Notice aims to clearly inform you of how we use your personal data, how we ensure it is kept secure and your choices about its use. We hope this can help you to make informed decisions when using our website or other services we provide. In this Notice, references to “we”, “us” and “our” refer to b2b partnerships Limited. Personal data, as defined by the GDPR, means any information which relates to a living individual who can be identified, either directly or indirectly, from this information. For example, your name, email address, postal address, telephone number and other personal details. From time to time, we will update this Privacy Notice, so we encourage you to refer back to this page regularly. If significant changes are made, we will endeavour to notify you. In addition to this Notice, each service offered by us may have additional privacy provisions that are specific to the particular service. You will always be informed of these supplemental provisions at the time you provide your personal data. Using links to external sites Please remember that when you use a link to go from our website to another website, our Privacy Notice no longer applies. Your browsing and interaction on any other website or your dealings with any other third-party service provider, is subject to that website’s or third-party service provider’s own rules and notices/policies. We do not monitor, control, or endorse the information collection or privacy practices of any third parties. This Notice applies solely to Information collected by us through our website or services and does not apply to these third-party websites and third party service providers. About Us Our contact details: If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice you can contact us in the following ways: • Write to us: Data Protection Officer, b2b partnerships Ltd, 6th Floor, Charles House, 108-110 Finchley Road, London NW3 5JJ. • Call us: 020 7710 9495 (and ask for the Data Protection Officer) • Email our Data Protection Officer: dataprotection@b2bpartnerships.org b2b partnerships Ltd’s registered office is: 6th Floor, Charles House, 108-110 Finchley Road, London NW3 5JJ Registered in England and Wales under the company number: 05702184 VAT registration number is 893932965. Collection of your personal data Personal data you provide directly to us: We collect personal data from you when you enquire about or request a product or service directly from us. For example, you will provide personal data to us when you: • Apply for a job • Submit a request for further information about b2b partnerships Ltd • Submit a request for someone at b2b partnership Ltd to contact you. The information we routinely collect will include your contact details (e.g., name and email address). When you register to attend one of our events, we may also collect details about your dietary and accessibility requirements. We only collect this information with your explicit consent and will only use it for the purposes of your attendance at the event. When you visit our website: When you visit our website for the first time, you will receive a “pop-up” notice informing you that we use ‘Cookies’. Some personal data (for example a unique identifier, your IP address and geographical location) will be collected through our and our technology partners’ use of cookies and similar technologies. From other organisations or publicly available sources: We may also research publicly available sources (e.g., websites and LinkedIn) and use external suppliers, to identify business contacts who are likely to be interested in the products and services we have to offer. We will only collect the minimal amount of information required for this purpose (e.g., name, job title, company and contact details) and when we contact you we will endeavour to ensure we provide you with a way to object to us continuing to retain your personal data. The lawful bases we rely on: Under the GDPR there are six lawful bases under which organisations can collect, use and store personal data. We have identified four which we rely upon for our business activities: Consent, Contract, Legal Obligation and Legitimate Interests. Contractual – in many circumstances we rely on the lawful basis of “performance of a contract”, this enables us to respond to you when you express an interest in our products and services and to fulfil any requests. Consent – in some circumstances we rely on your specific consent, whereby you actively agree and “opt-in”. We will always make it clear how you can withdraw you consent at any time. Legal Obligation – there will be circumstances under which we are legally obliged to hold your personal data or required to disclose it to a third party by law. Legitimate Interests – for some of our activities we rely on our legitimate business interests to collect and use your personal data. In such cases, we have balanced our interests with yours and do not believe these activities will have a negative impact on your privacy rights and freedoms. We specifically rely on Legitimate Interests to: • Manage specific aspects of our events. • Send you marketing communications about our products and services. • Send you communications related to our clients’ products and services (in a business-to-business context). • Undertake sales and sponsorship development activities • Research publicly available business contact details. You can always object to our marketing messages. If you wish to object to our reliance on Legitimate Interests for any other purpose, please use our contact details above. How we use your personal data Fulfilment of a service: We will use your personal data for the purposes of fulfilling a product or service you have requested, which includes: •Responding to your enquiries about our products and services •Fulfilling your requests and delivery of a product or service. Events Please find below information about how your personal data will be used when you are invited or register to attend one of our events. We will share your details (name, job title and company name ONLY) with event sponsors, to ensure that any content and activity on the day is tailored specifically to the audience attending. If you would prefer us not to do this, please email us. Please note that photographs and video footage may be taken at our events and used in post-event publicity. If you have any objection to this, please email us. Marketing communications When we collect your personal data, we will include a specific notice to inform you and give you choices about future direct marketing communications from us. We will only send you direct marketing communications when you have either: • provided your consent (e.g., ticked a box or clicked a “button” to submit a form) • where we believe we can demonstrate a legitimate business interest and have balanced this with your interests and privacy. It is always your choice, and you can stop receiving direct communications from us at any time. We will provide a clear and easy way to do this. For electronic marketing communications (via phone) we adhere to the rules of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Personalise marketing content We want to ensure our communications are of interest to you. We therefore use the information we know about you to tailor messages to be as relevant to you as possible. We will use publicly available sources to try and do this. You have the right to object, but once you do, this will mean we will be unable to send you marketing communications in future. Access your personal data You can request a copy of the personal data we may hold relating to you, and the purposes for which we are using it. This is known as a Subject Access Request. In responding to such a request we may ask for proof of your identity, to ensure we do not inadvertently send your personal data to another person. We will endeavour to respond to any such requests as soon as possible, but at least within one calendar month. Please use our contact details above. Amend your personal data If you discover or believe the personal data we hold for you is out of date or incorrect please let us know and we will rectify this as soon as possible. Please use our contact details above. Delete your personal data If you wish for your personal data to be deleted we will assess any such request on a case-by-case basis. We will respond to you as soon as possible, at least within one calendar month of receiving your request. Please use our contact details above. Keeping your data secure Where do we store your personal data? Ensuring your personal data is kept secure is of the highest importance to us. We hold your personal data on our secure systems, mainly based within the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA). Your personal data may be transferred to a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA). This may be required for the purposes of our staff based outside the EEA or where a supplier of a service is based outside the EEA. We will take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure your personal data is treated securely. How we keep your personal data secure? We are committed to protecting the security of the personal data we hold. We deploy appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure your personal data is kept securely and to prevent any unauthorised access. We have robust procedures and features in place to prevent such unauthorised access. How long do we keep your personal data? We hold personal data for a variety of different purposes and the length of time we keep your information for will vary depending on the products and services we are providing to you. We will only keep your personal data for a reasonable period of time and we base this on the purpose for which we are using it. Reporting security vulnerabilities: We are committed to the privacy, safety and security of our customers. If you discover a potential security vulnerability, we would ask you to please report it just to us in a responsible manner. Please email us at dataprotection@b2bpartnerships.org and we will respond to you as soon as possible. This provides us with an opportunity to work with you and quickly address and resolve any issue. Publicly disclosing a potential vulnerability could put the wider community at risk, and therefore we encourage you to come to us first. We’ll keep you informed as we move forward with our investigations. Cookie Notice The aim of our Cookie Notice is to provide you with a summary of the tracking technologies we use and how you can control what is set and when. We keep our Cookie Notice under regular review to best reflect the technology we use on our sites. Cookies and tracking technologies that we use: Where b2b partnerships Ltd talk about cookies and tracking technology on our website we refer to the following: •Flash Cookies: A local shared object, sometimes called a “Flash cookie,” is a data file that can be created on your computer by the website you visit. They are most often used to enhance your web-browsing experience. •Log Files: We use log files to record events that occur on our website. This may include, though not exclusively, the type, content or time of transaction made via your device. These audit trails allow us to analyse activities on our websites. Our main technology partners We work directly with a number of technology partners to maintain and enhance our website. •Google Analytics: We use Google Analytics to provide insight into how visitors find and use our web pages so that we can evaluate and develop them. External web services We use a number of web services to display external content, e.g., YouTube. These could set cookies or track your activity anonymously – for full information you should read the privacy policies of these sites. Your control options When you use our website for the 1st time you will be notified about our use of cookies via a “pop up” banner. This is to inform you that cookies or similar technologies are deployed on your device. Managing your cookies: You can choose to disable your web browser’s ability to accept cookies. Please note that if you choose to do this, you may not be able to access or take advantage of many features of the service and some parts of the website may not work properly. You can control how cookies are set within your browser settings. Each browser is different so check the ‘Help’ menu of your particular browser to learn how to change your cookie preferences. Last updated: 27th of September, 2023
Environmental & Sustainability Policy
At b2b partnerships Ltd, we are committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability. We committed to: 1. Leadership and Communication: •Foster environmental responsibility throughout the organisation and across all levels of the workforce. •Implement and communicate this policy comprehensively. 2. Continuous Improvement: •Assess yearly environmental impacts, set objectives, and targets to enhance our environmental performance, subject to regular review. •Allocate sufficient resources to uphold our commitment to the environment. 3. Compliance and Responsibility: •Abide by pertinent environmental regulations and laws. •Define and communicate roles to ensure everyone understands their individual obligations. 4. Capacity Building: •Train staff to minimise our direct environmental impact. •Develop policies and services that align with this policy. 5. Sustainable Procurement: •Consider environmental factors in our procurement decisions. 6. Transparency and Reporting: •Report environmental performance in our annual report. 7. Stakeholder Engagement: •Encourage our Collective members, supporters, partners, and stakeholders to embrace sustainable development. 8. Resource Efficiency: •Reduce energy, water usage, and waste through reduction, re-use, and recycling, both in-office and remote settings. 9. Green Transportation: •Promote eco-friendly travel options and minimize travel necessity. 10. Carbon Neutrality: •Implement suitable carbon offset measures for long-distance travel emissions. Additional Actions: We will: •Collaborate with environmental specialists as needed. •Promote and enact our environmental policy and action plan. •Establish an Environmental Focus Group to enhance operational practices. •Implement automatic PC shutdown for energy conservation. •Monitor utilities consumption and measure supply chain and travel impact. •Enhance recycling and optimise technological equipment use. •Advocate, encourage, and reward environmentally-friendly travel choices. •Management Commitment: •Share environmental expectations with employees, board members, and service providers. •Demonstrate unwavering environmental dedication to lead by example. •Employee Responsibility: •Understand relevant environmental requirements and minimize personal impact. Supplier Collaboration: •Share environmental policies and collaborate to reduce environmental impact. •With these actions, b2b partnerships Ltd actively contributes to a sustainable future, fostering positive change within our organization and across our stakeholder network. Last updated: 07 September, 2024
Anti-Terrorism, Anti-Fraud & Safeguarding
b2b partnerships is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of our funds and resources, ensuring they are not misused for terrorist activities or subjected to fraud. This policy outlines our commitment to prevent misuse and corruption when providing support to partners and third parties. Policy Scope This policy applies to all programmes, initiatives and products belonging to b2b partnerships Ltd. It encompasses all members of b2b partnerships Ltd, including employees, board members, volunteers, contractors, and consultants. Partner organizations involved in our initiatives are also subject to this policy. Policy Principles •We are committed to upholding United Kingdom laws related to anti-terrorism financing, money laundering, and funds misuse. •We promote best practices to prevent funds misuse and corruption. •We integrate this policy within our organisational culture and ensure awareness among our personnel. •We assess the risk of terrorism financing and implement appropriate precautions. •We strive to understand and mitigate potential risks related to terrorism financing or money laundering. Implementation of the Policy a) Due Diligence for Partners •Each Partner will be evaluated for terrorism financing risk. •We will conduct due diligence on prospective Partners, including identity confirmation and screening against relevant lists. •Ongoing project visits and reviews will be conducted by our staff. b) Anti-Terrorism Practices for Partners •Partners must comply with the anti-terrorism financing laws of their operating countries. •We require Partners to have policies aligned with our principles. If lacking or insufficient, they must adopt our policy. c) Payments and Fund Transfers •All grant payments will be channelled through regulated financial institutions to approved beneficiaries. •Detailed records of fund transfers will be maintained. d) Monitoring and Reporting •We will monitor partner activities to ensure funds are used appropriately. •Additional precautions will be taken for Partners assessed as high risk. •Any suspicious activity will be promptly reported to our Directors. By adhering to this policy, b2b partnerships Ltd, remains committed to ethical conduct and safeguarding our resources against misuse, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure environment for our initiatives and partners. Last updated: 7th of September, 2024
Procurement Policy
The purpose of this Procurement Policy is to ensure that all b2b partnerships Ltd (b2b) procurement activities are conducted ethically, efficiently, sustainably and cost-effectively. This policy is designed to promote transparency, control costs, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. 2. Scope This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and consultants involved in purchasing goods, services, and software for the business. It covers the procurement of office supplies, IT equipment, consulting services, software, and any other services or materials necessary to operate the business effectively. 3. Roles and Responsibilities - Managing Director: Responsible for overseeing procurement processes, selecting vendors, and ensuring compliance with this policy. - Employees: Responsible for adhering to this policy when requesting purchases or interacting with vendors. - Finance: Responsible for tracking purchases and invoicing vendors. 4. Procurement Process 4.1 Needs Identification - When a department or employee identifies the need for goods or services, a request must be submitted to Managing Director. 4.2 Approval Workflow - All purchases require approval from the business director or finance head. 4.3 Quotation Process - For purchases under £1000, a minimum of one written quote from a vendor is required. - For purchases between £1,000 and £5,000, a minimum of two written quotes must be obtained. - For purchases over £5,000, three competitive quotes are required unless a preferred vendor agreement is in place. 4.4 Supplier Selection - Vendors are selected based on price, quality, reliability, and the ability to meet delivery timelines. 5. Vendor Management - All new vendors must complete a vendor registration form and provide any necessary documentation (e.g., tax information, certifications). - Vendors will be evaluated annually based on performance, pricing, and service quality. Unsatisfactory performance will lead to corrective action, up to and including termination of the contract. - b2b may designate preferred vendors based on long-term relationships, negotiated pricing, or specialised services. 6. Purchasing Methods - Purchases do not require a purchase order. - In cases where there is an urgent need, purchases may be made outside of the standard process. However, they must be documented and approved by the director. 7. Ethics and Compliance - Employees involved in the procurement process must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as personal relationships with suppliers. All decisions must be made impartially. - b2b has a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery or corruption. Gifts or incentives from vendors are not permitted unless approved by senior management. - All procurement activities must comply with local, state, and federal laws, including tax laws and licensing requirements. 8. Budget and Financial Controls - Budget Alignment: All purchases must align with the company’s approved budget. Purchases that exceed budgeted amounts must be justified and approved by the business owner or manager. - b2b's finance lead is responsible for ensuring cost control by negotiating with vendors and seeking the best possible pricing for all purchases. - Vendors must submit an invoice upon delivery of goods or completion of services. Payments will be processed within 30 days, or according to the terms of the contract. 9. Contract Management - All contracts over £5,000 must be reviewed by the business owner or managing partner before being signed. - Contracts should include standard terms such as payment terms, deliverables, warranties, and termination clauses. - Contracts should be reviewed 60 days before expiration to decide on renewal or renegotiation. 10. Risk Management - Supplier financial stability and performance will be monitored periodically. High-risk suppliers may require additional scrutiny or backup suppliers. - Vendors providing services on-site must carry liability insurance as specified in their contracts. 11. Record Keeping and Reporting - All procurement documents, including quotes, purchase orders, invoices, and contracts, must be stored securely for a minimum of five years. - Finance produces an annual report detailing procurement activities, total spending, and any vendor issues. 12. Employee Awareness - This procurement policy will be accessible to all employees and reviewed regularly. 13. Exceptions and Deviations - Any exception to this policy must be approved in writing by the business owner or managing partner. Requests for exceptions must include a justification and documentation supporting the need for deviation from the standard process. 14. Dispute Resolution - In the event of a dispute with a vendor or internally related to the procurement process, the dispute will be escalated to senior management. If a resolution cannot be reached internally, b2b may seek mediation or legal remedies, as appropriate. Last Reviewed 07 09 2024
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
b2b partnerships Ltd (b2b) is committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within our workforce and membership, while also ensuring we eliminate unlawful discrimination in all aspects of our operations. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive and diverse environment, where all individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best toward our shared mission of combating climate change. We also aim to uphold these principles when engaging with the broader public, stakeholders, and other entities involved in our climate action initiatives. In doing so, we commit to opposing unlawful discrimination and promoting equality throughout our services, programmes, and partnerships. Purpose of This Policy This policy is designed to: 1. Provide equality, fairness, and respect for all individuals associated with our work, whether in full-time, part-time, or volunteer capacities. 2. Ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, not unlawfully discriminating on the basis of the following protected characteristics: - Age - Disability - Gender reassignment - Marriage and civil partnership - Pregnancy and maternity - Race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin) - Religion or belief - Sex - Sexual orientation 3. Oppose and prevent all forms of unlawful discrimination in all aspects of our operations, including: - Pay, benefits, and terms of engagement - Recruitment, promotion, and development opportunities - Volunteer roles, project involvement, and service contributions - Dealing with grievances and disciplinary matters - Selection for climate action campaigns, programs, and training Our Commitments As b2b, we commit to: 1.Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) as Essential Values: We recognise that diverse perspectives and inclusive practices are critical. We will encourage EDI throughout our activities, as it fosters innovation, community engagement, and social justice. 2. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment: We strive to build a workplace and volunteer network that is free from bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination. We will promote dignity and respect for all, ensuring that individual differences are acknowledged and contributions from all members are valued. All members, staff, and volunteers will be trained and educated on their rights and responsibilities regarding EDI. This includes understanding their role in preventing discrimination and promoting equality in all of the association's activities. 3. Addressing Complaints of Discrimination and Harassment: We will take all complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation, and unlawful discrimination seriously, whether from staff, volunteers, partners, or the public. These will be dealt with promptly under our grievance and disciplinary procedures, which may result in appropriate action, including dismissal in cases of gross misconduct. Complaints related to sexual harassment or harassment as defined under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 will be treated with particular seriousness, and we will support individuals in both employment rights and potential criminal proceedings. 4. Providing Equal Access to Opportunities: We are committed to offering training, development, and progression opportunities to all, whether they are employees, volunteers, or members of our association. Everyone will be encouraged to develop their potential, contributing their skills and experiences to enhance our climate action efforts. 5. Merit-Based Decision Making: Decisions regarding recruitment, project involvement, or any other aspect of our work will be made solely on the basis of merit, unless exemptions are necessary under the Equality Act 2010 to achieve our EDI goals. 6. Reviewing Policies for Fairness: We will regularly review our employment and volunteer practices to ensure they remain fair, inclusive, and aligned with current legislation and best practices. 7. Monitoring and Reporting on EDI: We will monitor the composition of our workforce and volunteers, collecting data on characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and others. This data will be used to assess the effectiveness of our EDI policies and to ensure we are meeting our stated commitments. We will review the policy and any related action plans annually, addressing any gaps or areas for improvement. Agreement to Follow This Policy - This policy is fully endorsed by senior management and has been reviewed in consultation with employee and volunteer representatives, including [insert details as appropriate]. Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures - Details on how to raise a grievance or report a concern regarding discrimination can be found in our Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures, available at [insert details as appropriate]. In general, grievances should be raised with a line manager or project lead. The use of these procedures does not affect the right of an individual to file a claim with an employment tribunal within three months of the alleged discriminatory act. This policy is part of our commitment to integrating equity, fairness, and inclusion into every aspect of our climate action work, ensuring a just transition for all. Last Update: 13 02 25
Modern Slavery Policy
b2b partnerships Ltd (b2b) is committed to ensuring that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place within its operations or supply chains. This policy outlines b2b’s commitment to identifying, preventing, and addressing modern slavery risks and ensures compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other third parties associated with b2b. 1. Definition of Modern Slavery Modern slavery refers to situations where individuals are exploited, controlled, or coerced into work using force, fraud, or deception. It includes, but is not limited to: - Slavery - Servitude - Forced or compulsory labour - Human trafficking 2. Our Commitment b2b is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships. We strive to ensure that modern slavery does not exist in any part of our business or supply chain. This commitment includes: - Operating with transparency and accountability in all our business dealings. - Acting to mitigate the risks of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains. - Encouraging our suppliers, contractors, and partners to adopt similar policies and practices. 3. Responsibility for Implementation The responsibility for the implementation of this policy lies with the senior management team and all staff. The senior management team is responsible for ensuring that modern slavery risks are effectively managed. All employees, particularly those in procurement, human resources, and management roles, must remain vigilant and report any suspected instances of modern slavery. 4. Risk Assessment We will conduct regular risk assessments of our supply chains and operations to identify areas of potential modern slavery risk. These assessments will consider factors such as: - The location of suppliers and their practices - The nature of the goods and services provided - The existence of adequate labour protections - The complexity of supply chains and sub-contracting arrangements. 5. Due Diligence Process - We will conduct due diligence on suppliers and third parties that may be at risk of engaging in modern slavery practices. This process includes: - Assessing the labour practices of new suppliers and contractors before entering into agreements with them. - Regular audits and checks on existing suppliers to ensure compliance with our modern slavery policy. - Requiring suppliers to demonstrate that they have taken steps to eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking in their supply chains. 6. Training and Awareness - We are committed to training our employees on recognising signs of modern slavery and human trafficking. This training will be offered to all relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. The training will: - Educate employees about the signs of modern slavery and how to report concerns. - Ensure that employees understand the importance of ethical supply chains. - Raise awareness of b2b’s commitment to eliminating modern slavery. 7. Reporting and Whistleblowing b2b has a confidential whistleblowing procedure in place to encourage employees and third parties to report concerns regarding modern slavery, human trafficking, or any other unethical practices. Employees can report any concerns to their manager, the HR department. Reports will be treated confidentially and investigated thoroughly, with appropriate action taken if modern slavery practices are identified. 8. Consequences of Non-Compliance Any employee, contractor, or supplier found to be in violation of this policy may face disciplinary action, including termination of employment or business relationships. b2b will not tolerate modern slavery in any form and will work with authorities to address any violations. 9. Review and Monitoring This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains up-to-date and effective. b2b will monitor its operations and supply chains for any risks related to modern slavery and take corrective actions as necessary. Last updated: 13 January, 2025
Health & Safety Policy
b2b partnerships Ltd (b2b) is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all its employees, visitors, and any other individuals who may be affected by its activities. This policy outlines the approach to managing health and safety in accordance with UK health and safety laws and regulations, including the considerations for employees working from home. 1. Aims of the Policy The aim of this policy is to: - Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated regulations. - Protect the health and safety of employees, contractors, and visitors. - Identify, assess, and manage health and safety risks within the workplace, including remote work locations. - Provide adequate information, training, and supervision to employees to ensure a safe working environment, whether in the office or at home. - Continually improve health and safety practices to create a culture of safety within the company. 2. Responsibilities - Employer Responsibilities: Ensure that the workplace is safe and healthy for all employees, contractors, and visitors, including those working remotely. - Provide guidance and support to employees working from home to ensure a safe work environment. - Regularly assess and mitigate risks associated with workplace activities, including remote working. - Ensure employees are adequately trained to perform their tasks safely, both at the workplace and from home. - Review and update health and safety procedures regularly to ensure compliance. Employee Responsibilities: - Comply with all health and safety policies and procedures in place at the workplace, including any guidance for working from home. - Report any safety concerns, incidents, or hazards immediately to management, whether in the office or at home. - Set up a safe and ergonomically sound home workspace and follow the guidance provided by the company. - Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required and as advised by the employer. - Participate in training programs and safety meetings. - Assist in the identification and reporting of health and safety risks and issues, both in the workplace and remotely. Management Responsibilities: - Lead by example in promoting health and safety practices, including those specific to remote working. - Ensure that employees understand and comply with health and safety procedures for both on-site and remote work. - Carry out regular risk assessments and safety audits to identify and address potential hazards, including those specific to working from home. - Act upon health and safety feedback and maintain open communication about safety practices. 3. Risk Assessment and Control - Regular risk assessments will be carried out for all work activities, including those conducted remotely, to identify potential hazards. - Control measures will be implemented to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety, including those specific to working from home. - Risk assessments for remote work will include evaluating home office setups for ergonomic safety, equipment safety, electrical safety, and general health and wellbeing. - Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and updated if changes in the workplace, activities, or remote working arrangements occur. 4. Working from Home Health and Safety - Home Office Setup: Employees working from home must ensure that their home workspace is safe and free from potential hazards. This includes: - Using ergonomic furniture (e.g., adjustable chairs, desks) to promote good posture and prevent musculoskeletal problems. - Ensuring adequate lighting and reducing glare on screens to prevent eye strain. - Keeping cables, wires, and other items neatly arranged to avoid trip hazards. - Ensuring that work equipment, such as computers and electrical items, is safe to use. Risk Assessment for Remote Working: - Employees will complete a home working risk assessment, provided by the company, which helps identify potential hazards related to their work environment at home. - Employees will be provided with guidance on setting up a suitable workspace and any necessary equipment. - Management will review the completed assessments and provide advice or additional equipment (e.g., ergonomic chairs, footrests, or laptop stands) as needed. Mental Health and Wellbeing: - Working remotely can present unique challenges, and b2b is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all remote workers. - Employees are encouraged to maintain regular communication with managers and colleagues. - Flexible working arrangements may be offered to help employees manage the work-life balance. 5. Training and Information - All employees, including those working remotely, will receive appropriate training on health and safety, including induction training and ongoing training as necessary. - Specific training will be provided for employees exposed to higher risks in their roles, including guidance on setting up a safe home office environment. - Health and safety procedures, including emergency procedures and remote working guidelines, will be communicated to all employees. - Regular safety briefings and updates will be provided to ensure that employees are aware of any changes in safety protocols. 8. Accidents, Incidents, and Reporting - All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near-miss occurrences must be reported immediately whether they occur in the office or while working from home. - An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of any accidents and prevent recurrence. - A record of all incidents and accidents will be maintained in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). 7. Emergency Procedures - Clear emergency procedures will be established and communicated to all employees, including those working from home. Employees must have access to a phone and internet to report emergencies. - Emergency equipment such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and first aid training will be provided and regularly maintained in the office. Remote employees should ensure they have access to basic first aid items and know how to contact emergency services. - Fire evacuation drills will be conducted regularly for office employees; remote employees are encouraged to have a clear plan in case of fire or other emergencies. 8. Monitoring and Review - This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect any changes in legislation, procedures, or workplace risks, including remote work. - Health and safety performance will be monitored and reviewed to ensure that the policy is effective in achieving its objectives, whether employees are working remotely or on-site. - Employees are encouraged to provide feedback to improve the safety culture and policy. Last updated: 13 January, 2025